Marmelo does the business

MARMELO justified 11-8 favouritism to win the Listed Sky Bet Grand Cup at York.

The Group Two-winning five-year-old was second on his comeback in May and made no mistake in a course-record time over a mile and three-quarters.

Frankie Dettori was keen to seize the initiative on Weekender, who was still in front two furlongs out.

But John Gosden’s raider was outflanked by Marmelo and Duretto once push came to shove although he fought back to finish second.

Marmelo was on top at the line and was good value for his neck triumph under Ryan Moore.

Moore said: “He’s a big boy and it was probably quick enough for him.

“He travelled very smoothly. He’s a very likeable horse.”

Morrison said: “He’s won despite the ground. He’d prefer more cut but that’s two course records he’s got now – he’s also got one at Chantilly.

“As he proved in Australia, he’s not a slow horse. A mile and a half is within his compass.

“My head lad Tom Pirie has done a fantastic job with him. He rides him every day and never left his side for two months is Australia. We’ll go back to France next for the Prix Kergorlay.”